GUIDELINES FOR MOVEMENT OVER

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAYS OF

OVERSIZE AND OVERWEIGHT (OSOW) VEHICLES AND LOADS

Statute Authority: SC Code of Law Section 56-5-4010 through 56-5-4230 and 57-3-130 through 57-3-190
The caption and/or section headings contained in these guidelines are not binding and are only used
for reference purposes.

A. PARTIAL EXEMPTIONS FOR FIRE APPARATUS, ROAD MACHINERY OR

IMPLEMENTS, FARM IMPLEMENTS, PRODUCTS OF HUSBANDRY, AND TIMBER
EQUIPMENT: SC Code of Law 56-5-4020
(A) Except as provided in Section 56-5-4140(2), the provisions of this article governing size, weight,
and load do not apply to fire apparatus, road machinery or implements, and products of husbandry
including farm tractors, timber equipment, liquid fertilizer storage facilities, and vehicles or
combinations of vehicles used to transport, store, or spread lime, nitrogen, or other soil improvement
products for agricultural purposes moved upon the highways so as not to damage the highways nor
unduly interfere with highway traffic, or to vehicles operated under terms of special permits issued
pursuant to this chapter. The exemptions do not apply to Section 56-5-4230. With regard to vehicles
or combinations of vehicles used to transport, store, or spread soil improvement products and to
transport products of husbandry exempted pursuant to this section, the owners shall obtain an annual
permit to operate the vehicle as provided in Section 57-3-130 which prescribes the specific conditions
of the exemption.
(B) For purposes of this section, 'timber equipment' means implements of silviculture including, but
not limited to, machinery used in establishing, tending, harvesting, and protecting forest crops such as
tree shears, chippers, slashers, log loaders, skidders, and fellers.
(C) None of the vehicles or devices exempted by this section may exceed twelve feet in width, except
farm implements which may not exceed sixteen feet in width, and they may be moved only in clear
weather conditions during daylight hours.

B. DISCRETIONARY OS/OW PERMIT: The Department may exercise its discretion in issuing
permits for transporting non-divisible loads and/or vehicles which exceed the legal size and weight
limits, provided that:
1) Non-divisible is defined as a load consisting of one single item that cannot be readily disassembled
so as to reduce the size and/or gross weight to the legal limits. Emergency exceptions shall only be
approved by the Permit Director. See Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Part 658.5 for
definition of non-divisible load or vehicle.
2) Every such movement shall be routed over highways having 12 foot wide or wider lanes whenever
possible, except in emergencies or where there is good cause to show that such movement is in the
public interest.
3) The Department may limit or prescribe conditions of operation of such vehicles.
4) The Department may require such insurance and/or other security as it deems necessary.
5) Such movement is made so as not to damage the highways nor unduly interfere with highway
traffic.
6) The permit must be carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and must be
open to inspection by a police officer or an authorized agent of the authority granting the permit.
(SC Code of Law Section 57-3-130)

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C. REVOCATION OF PERMIT AND SUSPENSION OF SERVICE: Failure to comply with the
laws, regulations or guidelines may result in the immediate revocation of the permit. Violations
include convictions under 56-5-4160 and from other state jurisdictions. Permits revoked shall not be
reissued to the same transporting company.
1) Upon revocation of the permit, the responsible party is not eligible for an oversize/overweight
permit for the movement of that load
2) If there is a second revocation, within 6 months of the first revocation, there is 1 year suspension.
3) If there is a third revocation, within 1 year of the second revocation, there is a 5 year suspension.
4) The fourth and subsequent revocation will result in a permanent suspension.

D. APPLICATION FOR OS/OW SINGLE, PERMISSION & MULTIPLE TRIP PERMITS:

All permits shall be secured from the South Carolina Department of Transportation;
Oversize/Overweight Permit Office, Room G-12, 955 Park Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201.
Telephone No (803) 737-OSOW. The Permit Office maintains hours between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00
P.M. except Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

1) Applying for Permits: All permit requests must be submitted via the internet website at

https://www.scdot.org/business/permits-osow.aspx

2) Account Set-up to Order Permits: A company account must be set-up to access the online
permitting system by clicking on the Apply for Permits tab, then clicking on the
Company Account Set-up tab.

3) Paying for Permit: Permits shall be purchased with monies from an established escrow account.

4) Escrow Account: The SC Department of Transportation may accept an advance deposit in any
amount to establish an escrow account.
a) Escrow accounts may be replenished by check, money order or monies transferred from a
credit card. **Please note when transferring monies from a credit card to an escrow
account an additional fee is charged by the credit card authorizer.
b) Escrow payments and permits can be viewed by clicking on the Manage Company Profile
under the Management Tab. The Account Activity Report can be viewed and printed from the
Management tab.

5) Permit Types:

a) Single Trip Permit: A single trip, route specific, permit shall be issued for a non-divisible load,
mobile home or containerized cargo.
 Permit is valid for 7 days to allow for a one-time/one trip move.
 A defined route of travel is specified on the permit.
 Permit is truck/tractor and trailer specific. The towing vehicle’s complete vehicle
identification number and license tag number and the license tag number for the trailer is
required for each permit issued.

b) Permission: A permit cam be issued to transport Road Machinery or Implements (not

construction equipment), Products of Husbandry, Farm Implements, Fire Apparatus, and
Timber Equipment. (SC Code of Law 56-5-4020).

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c) Multiple Trip: A multiple trip permit can be auto issued, 24 hours 7 days a week for the
movement of a Non-Divisible Load, Mobile Home or Containerized Cargo with the following
maximum default allowances:
1) Non-Divisible loads: up to 14 wide, 13’6 high and up to 100,000 lbs. gross weight on 5 or
more axles.
2) Mobile Homes: up to 14 wide, 13’6 high and legal weight.
3) Containerized Cargo: up to 8’6 wide, 13’6 high and 100,000 on 5 or more axles.

 Permit is truck/tractor specific. The complete vehicle identification number and license
tag number for the towing vehicle is required for each permit issued.
 Permit is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.
 Maximum gross weight up to 90,000 lbs. not to exceed 40,000 lbs. on a tandem
grouping on 5 or more axles shall travel all US, SC and Interstate routes (unless posted
for load)
 Maximum gross weight up to 100,000 lbs. not to exceed 48,000 lbs. on a tandem
grouping and/or 55,000 lbs. on a tri-axle grouping on 5 or more axles on a minimum 40
foot trailer. Shall only travel on routes defined on the Oversize Truck Route Map (see
below).
 Travel on secondary routes is prohibited on all Multiple Trip Permits with weight over
legal allowance, an additional route specific permit can be applied for to travel on
secondary routes.

d) Multiple Trip - Route Specific Permit: A multiple trip, route specific permit may be requested
and submitted for permit office review to transport Non-Divisible Loads, Containerized Cargo
including Open Top Containers and Mobile Homes with the below maximum weight and
dimensions.
1) Non-Divisible Loads: a maximum height of 15 feet and/or up to a gross weight of 130,000
lbs. is allowed. See Section E-5 for the maximum weight(s) allowed per axle groupings.
2) Mobile Homes: a maximum height of 15 feet is allowed. Must be legal weight.
3) Containerized Cargo and Open Top Containers: a maximum height of 15 feet and/or up to a
gross weight of 100,000 lbs. is allowed.

e) Multiple Trip Permit and OSOW Truck Route Map: A Non-Divisible or Containerized Cargo
Permit allows up to 100,000 lbs., gross weight and shall be used in conjunction with the SC
Overweight Truck Route Map.
 The maximum weight allowance shall not exceed 20,000 lbs. on a single axle and up to
48,000 lbs. on a tandem axle grouping.
 The map defines designated routes of travel using only US, SC and Interstate routes that
accommodate heavier axle weights. Not all US and SC routes are allowed for travel.
 The map must be attached to the permit and carried in the vehicle at all times.

f) Containerized Cargo Single or Multiple Trip Permits:

 To transport with a SCDOT Containerized Cargo Overweight Permit, the container must be
an International Shipping Container, bound to or from a seaport being, or having been,
transported by marine shipment and possess an International Bill of Lading or Carrier
Interchange.
 A 20 ft. shipping container on a 20 ft. chassis/trailer shall not exceed a tandem weight of
40,000 lbs.
 A 20 ft. shipping container must be center mounted on a minimum 40 ft. chassis/trailer
when tandem or tri axles exceed 40,000 lbs.

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g) Cotton Modular Vehicle: An Annual/Multiple Trip Permit can be issued for a Cotton Modular
Vehicle. This vehicle is defined as a single motor vehicle used only to transport seed cotton
modules, cotton, or equipment used in the transporting or processing of cotton. The permit
shall be issued annually to allow continuous travel on all highways EXCEPT the Interstate.
The vehicle identification number and license tag number is required. Cotton modular vehicles
may not exceed a width of 110 inches and may not exceed a length of 50 feet extreme overall
dimensions, inclusive of front and rear bumpers and load. (SC Code of Law 57-3-160)

h) Sheet Tobacco: An Annual/Multiple Trip permit can be issued for a Sheet Tobacco Truck.
This vehicle is defined as a vehicle used to transport tobacco in sheets, which do not exceed 96
inches in width at the truck bed and 9 feet, 6 inches at the widest part of the load above the
truck bed. The permit shall be issued annually and allows continuous travel on all highways.
The vehicle identification number and license tag number is required. (SC Code of Law 57-3-
140)

i) Culvert Pipe: An Annual/Multiple Trip permit can be issued for vehicles transporting culvert
pipe not exceeding a width of 106 inches. The vehicle identification number and license tag
number is required. (SC Code of Law 56-5-4035).

j) Bulk Agricultural: An Annual/Multiple Trip permit can be issued to transport Products of

Husbandry.
 The permit shall be valid for 365 days and allows for continuous travel time (24 hours 7
days a week).
 The maximum permitted dimensions and weight are 8’6” wide, 13’6” high and 90,000 lbs.
gross weight on a minimum 40’ trailer with 5 or more axles (tow unit and trailer).
 A maximum axle weight of 23,000 lbs. is allowed, not to exceed a gross weight of 90,000
lbs. (truck, trailer and load being transported).
 Travel is allowed on all US and SC routes only. To travel on Secondary routes, a route
specific permit shall be obtained. Interstate travel is prohibited.
 The permit is truck/tractor specific. The tow units Vehicle Identification Number and
license tag number is required.

k) Superload: Any non-divisible load exceeding 130,000 pounds and/or any single axle weight
that exceeds 20,000 lbs. will require additional routing analysis. This process may take from 3
to 5 business days.
 Any load exceeding 180,000 lbs. must be submitted with a Certificate of Insurance or have
a Certificate of Insurance form on file with the SC Permit office.
 Any load exceeding 300,000 lbs. must be submitted with the manufacture’s documentation
providing the weight and dimensions of the load being transported along with
documentation on the empty weight of the truck and trailer used to transport the load.
 Any load exceeding 500,000 lbs. will be assessed an additional mega load impact fee on
the entire gross vehicle weight on a pounds per mile basis. See permit fee schedule.
 All loads exceeding 300,000 lbs. may require the carrier to provide an independent
structural analysis performed by a licensed/registered engineer.

l) House Moving Permit: See Section K.

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 6) Permit Payment: Payment for permits shall be made by escrow account, cash, check or money
order upon application submittal. The permit fee accompanying any application that is denied
shall be returned to the person or company named on the application, except for a superload non-
refundable application fee.

7) Permit Delivery: Permits may be picked up in person, e-mailed or mailed by US Postal Service.
The permittee shall advise the permit office on delivery method.

8) Permit Certification: The permit must be signed by the permittee upon receipt in order to be
valid and carried in the towing vehicle during movement.

9) Permit Transfer: Multiple trip permits can be transferred to another vehicle if one of the
following applies:
a) The vehicle is wrecked and no longer operable; provide documentation from insurance
company or
b) The vehicle is junked; provide junk title or documentation from insurance company or
c) The vehicle is sold; provide Bill of Sale or
d) The vehicle is stolen; provide documentation from insurance company.

10) Permit Amendment: An OS/OW Amendment Request Form shall be submitted to the permit
office detailing the reason for the amendment. A new permit, instead of an amendment, shall be
required when changes are made to the routes, escorts and/or times of travel.

11) Permit Fees:

Single Trip Permit $30.00
Excessive width over 16’ $35.00
Excessive width over 18’ $40.00
Excessive width over 20’ $45.00
Excessive width over 22’ $50.00

Multiple Trip Permit (Annual) $100.00

House Moving License (Annual) $100.00

Annual Permit Transfer Fee for

Wrecked, Stolen or Sold trucks being replaced $10.00

Road Machinery Administrative Fee $10.00

Superload Application Fee (Non-refundable) $100.00

Superload Engineering Analysis over 130,000 lbs $100.00
Superload Engineering Analysis over 200,000 lbs $200.00
Superload Engineering Analysis over 300,000 lbs $350.00
Superload Impact Fee over 130,000 lbs $3.00/per 1,000 lbs.

Sheet Tobacco Truck Permit (Annual) $15.00

Cotton Modular Vehicle Permit (Annual) $50.00
Culvert Pipe Permit (Annual) $15.00

Additional Megaload Impact Fee for

Loads over 500,000 pounds on gross weight $ .05/1000 lbs. /mile

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E. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SIZES AND WEIGHTS GRANTED BY PERMIT: Any exceptions
to the maximum limits shall be submitted to the Department with the appropriate drawings, pictures,
requested route and reasons for the move. The request shall be submitted no less than 5 days
minimum of the proposed move date for approval or disapproval. Any approval shall be at the
discretion of the Department.

1) Overall Length:
a) Non-Divisible Loads: The maximum overall length shall be 125 feet.
b) Mobile Homes: The maximum overall length shall be 110 feet (mobile home 80 feet or less).
c) Structural Material: A pole, pipe, log or other structural material exceeding 80 feet in length
may not be transported unless a permit is obtained. The load must be non-divisible. (See SC
Code of Law 56-5-4090 for legal dimensions.)

2) Overhang:
a) Permits may be issued for a non-divisible load with a maximum rear overhang of 15 feet on a
trailer that is LESS than 48 feet. A maximum rear overhang of 10 feet is allowed on a 48 foot
or 53 foot trailer. Flags and a rotating amber beacon or strobe light must be on the rear of the
load OR flags on the rear of the load and a rear civilian escort with such warning devices
required by the Department.
b) A maximum of 3 feet front overhang is allowed on all trailers.
c) In all cases, loads on expandable or pole trailers with more than a 6 feet rear overhang shall be
equipped with flags and a rotating amber beacon or strobe light on the rear of the load OR flags
and a rear escort with such warning devices required by the Department.

3) Overall Height:
a) The maximum overall height of any permitted load must be at least 3 inches less than any
overhead structures on a route granted by the permit.
b) The transporter shall be responsible for checking all overhead vertical clearances and shall
make all provisions for raising or removing overhead wires, cables, traffic signals, etc.,
sufficiently in advance and no less than a minimum of 3 working days prior to the move, to
eliminate delays to the highway traffic.
c) Route Survey: ALL loads 16 feet in height and above must provide a department approved
route survey prior to permit issuance. A front escort vehicle with a height pole shall be
required during the entire move.

4) Overall Width:
a) Mobile homes - 16 feet maximum
b) Non Divisible Loads - 16 feet maximum

5) Gross Weights:
a) Two axle single unit vehicle 40,000 lbs.
b) Three axle single unit vehicle 50,000 lbs.
c) Four or more axle single unit vehicle 65,000 lbs.
d) Combination of vehicles with three axles 55,000 lbs.
e) Combination of vehicles with four axles 70,000 lbs.
f) Combination of vehicles with five axles 90,000 lbs.
g) Combination of vehicles with six axles 110,000 lbs.
h) Combination of vehicles with seven axles 130,000 lbs.

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E. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SIZES AND WEIGHTS GRANTED BY PERMIT: (continued)

6) Gross Tandem Weights:

a) Single axle 20,000 lbs.
b) Tandem axle 40,000 lbs.
c) Tridem or Quad axle 60,000 lbs.
**A Quad axle greater than 60,000 lbs. has to be reviewed by engineering on the requested
route of travel**

7) Overhang on Straight Trucks:

a) A maximum of 10 feet rear overhang is only allowed on a straight truck that is 40 feet in length
from bumper to bumper. Allowing a 50 foot overall dimension.
b) Overhang must be legal on a straight truck that is less than 40 feet from bumper to bumper.

8) Permit Denial/Recall: In all cases, the Department reserves the right to recall or not issue
permits in accordance with the above limitations if there is an abuse of the permit or such a
permit would cause an unnecessary amount of disruption in the normal traffic flow.

F. GENERAL GUIDELINES: The following are general provisions applicable to all oversize and/or
overweight loads:

1) Laws: All vehicles shall meet the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations.

2) Signed Permits: An Oversize/Overweight Permit is not valid until signed by an authorized

representative of the permittee.

3) Road Selection: Oversized loads or mobile homes shall be moved over sections of highways
selected by the Department.

4) Insurance: The Department may require the vehicle owner, operator or mover to furnish a bond or
insurance prior to the move in an amount to be determined by the Department as a guarantee that
the provisions of the permit will be carried out and to reimburse the Department for any damage
that may be done to the highway or structures by reason of the movement. This will also pay the
cost of any expenses for inspection of the move by the Department. If no damage is done and the
Department does not have any expense as a result of the move, the bond will be reimbursed. A
minimum coverage of one (1) million dollar Automobile and one (1) million dollar General
Liability is required.

5) Insurance for Super loads: Proof of insurance must be provided with application submittal when
the gross vehicle weight is 180,000 lbs. or greater and/or the overall width is 16 feet or greater.
The insurance must be submitted to the permit office on an ACCORD form or other acceptable
form approved by the OSOW Permit Director. The SCDOT - Oversize/Overweight Permit Office,
PO Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202 shall be named as the Certificate Holder.

6) Weight Ticket: The Department may, if deemed necessary, require the applicant to furnish a
“weight ticket” on each axle and the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination and may
require the weighing in the presence of a representative of the Department at a State approved
scale.

7) Registered Weight Requirement: An overweight permit shall not be granted for the movement of
a vehicle or vehicle and load that is not licensed and registered to its full limit.

7 Rev. 8/2021
 F. GENERAL GUIDELINES (continued)

8) No Waivers: The granting of a permit shall not be construed as waiving any weight limitation that
has been or may be established on any highway or any bridge thereon.

9) Pneumatic Tires: A permit shall not be granted for the movement of any vehicle or combination
of vehicles exceeding the legal weight limitation, with or without load, which is not equipped with
pneumatic tires

10) Width of Load: A load shall be so transported by a vehicle or combination of vehicles so that the
least width or length dimension becomes the width of the load. The load shall be transported such
that no part of it shall extend across the centerline of the road except when necessary to avoid a
collision with objects located near the edge of the road.

11) Permit Extensions: The Department may, at its discretion, grant an extension of time to the
permittee where the same is made necessary because of weather, road conditions or other
circumstances that are beyond the control of the vehicle operator.

12) Mobile Home Brakes: A mobile/modular unit shall be equipped with a minimum of two (2)
braking axles, in good working condition, controlled and operated from inside the towing unit. All
wheels on the braking axle shall be equipped with operable brakes.

13) Mobile Home Length: The mobile home shall not exceed 80 feet in length as measured from the
center of the ball cup on the trailer hitch to the extreme end of the mobile home. The maximum
overall length can not exceed 110.

14) Obstructing Traffic Flow: The driver shall remove the towing vehicle along with the load or
mobile home from the traveled way to allow any closely following traffic (5 vehicles maximum) to
pass and proceed.

G. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS:

1) Travel Times For All Loads:

Up to 12 Feet wide: All loads or mobile homes up to 12 feet wide are allowed to travel from
sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday.
 Over 12 feet wide up to 15 feet wide: All loads over 12 feet wide up to 15 feet wide or
mobile homes over 12 feet wide up to and including 14 feet box width (plus a maximum 12
inches top overhang for mobile homes) are allowed to be transported from sunrise to sunset
Monday through Sunday EXCEPT; travel prohibited in close proximity of large urban areas
between 7AM-9AM all days and 3PM-6PM on school days and 4:30-6PM on non-school days.
 Over 15 feet wide: All loads over 15 feet wide and mobile homes over 14 feet box width up to
and including 16 feet wide shall be transported Monday through Sunday only between the
hours of 9AM and 3PM during school days and 9AM and 4 PM other days.

2) Continuous Travel: Loads grossing up to 130,000 lbs. gross weight shall have continuous travel
upon request. All other dimensions shall be legal, unless approved and authorized by the SCDOT
Permit Director prior to movement.

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G. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS (continued):

3) Inclement Weather: No movement shall be allowed during inclement weather such as heavy rain
or fog when visibility is restricted to less than 500 feet. Movement shall also be prohibited during
periods of high winds or when highways are slippery or hazardous due to ice, snow or sleet. The
South Carolina Department of Public Safety Transport Police or Highway Patrol may direct or
escort a vehicle off the highway to a place of safety.

4) Speed Limit: Pursuant to SC Code of Law 57-3-130(B)(3)(c), it is the responsibility of the carrier
to comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and applicable State and Federal
Laws to determine the allowable speed.

5) Speed Limits for Mobile Homes: The maximum speed on the Interstate highways for a new
mobile home shall be 10 MPH less than posted speed limit, not to exceed 55 MPH. All other
mobile homes shall not exceed 45 MPH. The maximum speed on Non-Interstate highways for a
new or used mobile home shall not exceed 45 MPH.

6) Prohibited Routes During Summer: Movement is prohibited on Saturday and Sunday, East of I-
95, from Memorial Day through Labor Day over routes including, but not limited to, US-378, SC-
327, US-76, SC-576, US-501, SC-22, SC-31 and SC-9 in the Myrtle Beach area and on US-17
from the North Carolina line to points South of Myrtle Beach (Georgetown) and on any other
routes in the Myrtle Beach vicinity.

7) Holiday Travel Restrictions: NO travel shall be allowed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day,
Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Permit Director has the
authority to restrict travel from 12:00 noon the day before a holiday until 12:00 noon the day after
a holiday based on the route and dimensions of the load being transported.

8) Highway Lane Restrictions: All loads and mobile homes over 14 feet wide up to and including
16 feet wide shall travel on four-lane highways. Where possible, travel on two-lane highways
shall be restricted to 12-foot wide or wider lane widths.

9) Bridge Restrictions: All loads or mobile homes over 14 feet wide up to and including 16 feet
wide shall be the only vehicle on any bridge that is 18 feet wide or less.

10) Convoy: Multiple permitted loads shall NOT travel in a convoy. Loads and escorts(s) must be at
least 2 miles apart. Exceptions will be considered upon written request to the OSOW Permit
Director and under police escorts.

H. TOWING VEHICLE REQUIRMENTS: The towing vehicle for all loads or mobile homes shall be
at least a three-quarter (3/4) ton or larger pickup truck or truck tractor.
 The towing vehicle for loads up to 16 feet wide must be in compliance with all recommendations
by the manufacturer for the load being hauled and the trailer being utilized. This includes all
recommended equipment on the towing vehicle and the trailer.
 The hauler must be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws relative to commercial
carriers.

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I. SIGN, FLAG & LIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR LOADS BEING TRANSPORTED:

1) Signs or Banners: All loads and mobile homes 12 feet wide or wider are required to display signs
or banners on both the front of the transporting vehicle and on the rear of the transporting vehicle
or on the rear of the load. The sign shall be displayed as to be clearly visible and legible by
oncoming traffic at all times. The sign or banner shall be at least 12 inches high x 7 feet wide.
The sign or banner must read OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD with black letters 10 inches
high x 1.5” wide on yellow background. The sign/banner shall not conceal the license plate or
lights.

2) Flags: All loads and mobile homes 12 feet wide or wider are required to display 18 inch square
flags at each outer four corners of the load. Florescent red or florescent orange in color, transport
number and location pursuant to Title 49 CFR 393.87 standard. Turn signals and brake lights must
be displayed in working order. Any motor vehicle having a load or vehicle component which
extends beyond the sides more than 4 inches or 4 feet or more beyond the rear shall have the
extremities of the load marked with a red flag, not less than 18 inches square.

3) Warning Lights
 A load width greater than 12 feet up to and including 14 feet: shall provide a flashing or
strobe amber light on the rear of the load visible for 500 feet at 360 degrees.
 A load width in excess of 14 feet up to and including 16 feet: shall provide flashing or strobe
amber lights on each outer rear corners visible for 500 feet at 360 degrees.

J. ESCORT REQUIREMENTS: The Department reserves the right to require escorts where it is
deemed necessary for safety purposes. A vehicle transporting a load shall not also serve as an escort
vehicle.
 Width exceeding 12 feet up to and including 14 feet: One front escort is required when
traveling on a two lane highway; the Department reserves the right to require a rear escort
where it is deemed necessary for safety purposes.
 Width exceeding 14 feet up to and including 16 feet: One front and one rear escort required
on all roadways.
 Width exceeding 16 feet: One front and one rear civilian escort AND one front and one rear
police escort is required on all roadways, (exceptions can be made upon written approval from
the Department’s Permit Director). The front escort is to be a reasonable distance ahead of the
move to alert oncoming traffic in sufficient time of the impending hazard ahead. Additional
police escort may be required by the escorting officers (local, county, city, Highway Patrol or
State Transport Police).
 Height 16 feet and greater: One front escort with a height measuring device is required
during entire movement on all roadways. A route survey, certified as correct by the applicant,
shall also be provided to the permit office prior to permit issuance.
 Overall length of 125 feet up to and including 150 feet: One rear civilian escort is required
on all roadways.
 Overall length greater than 150 feet: One front and one rear civilian escort is required on all
roadways.
 Overhang greater than 15 feet: All loads with overhang exceeding 15 feet up to 25 feet over
the rear of the trailer are required to have a red flag, not less than 18 inches square, at the end
of the load AND one rear escort during entire movement over all highways.

10 Rev. 8/2021
J. ESCORT REQUIREMENTS (continued):

1) Escort Spacing: Positioning the escort vehicle with the over dimensional load must be relative to
give the traveling public maximum warning and to give the load driver timely and sufficient
information to safely maneuver the load.
 Rear Escort: 3-4 seconds distance between the escort and the load.
 Front Escort: Do not extend the spacing between the escort and the load beyond one-half mile.

2) Escort Warning Lights: A minimum of one (1) flashing amber, strobe amber or rotating amber
light must be mounted on top of all escort vehicles. Lights shall be operational during movement
with a minimum 500 feet visibility at 360 degrees. Vehicle lights cannot be used or substituted for
warning lights. Headlights shall be on at all times while escorting.

3) Escort Signs: Signs or banners are required on the front and rear of the escort vehicle or above the
roofline of the escort vehicle visible from front and rear. The sign or banner shall be at least 12
inches high x 7 feet wide. The sign or banner must read OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD with
black letters 10-inch-high and 1.5” wide on yellow background. The sign shall be displayed as to
be clearly legible and readable by oncoming traffic at all times and shall not conceal the license
plate or lights.

4) Radio Contact between Escorts: There shall be direct two-way radio communication between
the escorting vehicle(s) and the towing vehicle at all times. An escorting vehicle(s) shall not
escort or communicate with more than one towing vehicle at a time.

K. FRAME BUILDINGS OR OTHER LOADS OF SIMILAR SIZE

1) An application for a permit to move a building or load in excess of 16 feet in width shall be made
with the Resident Maintenance Engineer in each county the load is to be transported or with the
Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) permit office in Columbia, South Carolina. The OS/OW Permit
office will fax the request to each county for approval.
a) The application shall be submitted to SCDOT along with an 8x10 portion or portions of a DOT
map specifically marked to clearly show each road involved.
b) The application shall be signed by the Resident Maintenance Engineer (RME) signifying
Departmental approval or disapproval of the requested route of travel. The RME and/or the
OS/OW Permit office may select alternate routes of travel and include special provisions or
conditions to be observed during movement.
c) The RME’s office shall fax the application to the OS/OW Permit office within 5 working days.
The transporter will not be able to fax or deliver the approved application to the OS/OW
Permit office.
d) The OS/OW Permit office shall issue a valid SC OS/OW Permit to the transporter and forward
a copy to the RME’s Office.

2) The maximum travel distance for a frame building or load in excess of 16 feet is thirty 30 miles
providing the overall dimensions and highway conditions are favorable.

11 Rev. 8/2021
K. FRAME BUILDINGS OR OTHER LOADS OF SIMILAR SIZE (continued):

3) Travel shall only be allowed between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Night and weekend movement will be allowed at the discretion of the Resident Maintenance
Engineer and the OS/OW Permit office. There will be no movement on holidays, major public
events, high volume tourism periods or any other dates that are set at the discretion of the SCDOT.

4) For moves taking place in hours of darkness, sufficient lighting to alert traffic shall be placed on
the transporter, building and/or load.

5) A permit shall not be issued for the movement of a frame building or load of any width across a
bridge unless the width of subject load is 24 inches less than the distance between the guard rails
of the bridge, or if the subject load is loaded such that it will clear the top of the rails by at least 12
inches.

6) The transporter shall be responsible for checking all overhead vertical clearances and shall make
all provisions for raising or removal of overhead wires, cables, traffic signals, etc. This shall be
done no less than a minimum of 3 working days prior to the move, to eliminate delays to the
highway traffic.

7) A minimum of 4 escorts are required for ALL moves over 16 feet wide, 2 in front and 2 in rear.
The transporter is responsible for providing sufficient flagmen and/or escort vehicles to warn
approaching traffic of move.
a) Escorts shall be a minimum of one front and one rear police (local, county, city, Highway
Patrol or State Transport Police) and one front and one rear civilian escort.
b) The foremost escorts are to be a reasonable distance ahead of the load to alert oncoming traffic
in sufficient time of the impending hazard.
c) Radio contact must be maintained between the escorts and the towing vehicle during entire
move.

8) Proof of valid insurance pursuant to SC Code of Law 56-27-40 shall be provided to the OS/OW
Permit office prior to movement (See Section L). Insurance requirements shall be submitted on an
Accord Form with SCDOT Oversize/Overweight Permits, PO Box 191, Columbia, SC, 29202
listed as the Certificate Holder.

9) The transporter will be responsible for contacting the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
and Fire Department at least 24 hours prior to movement in each town or city that the load will be
traveling through. At no time shall a road be blocked for more than 5 minutes where there is only
1 passage or where no detour is available.

10) The transporter will be responsible for notifying each county Resident Maintenance Engineer one
day prior to actual movement of load.

12 Rev. 8/2021
SC Code of Law; Chapter 27; PROFESSIONAL HOUSEMOVING:

56-27-10. Definitions. As used in this chapter:

a) “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, or any other business entity.
b) “House” means a dwelling, building, or other structure in excess of 14 feet in width.

56-27-20. License required.

All persons who engage in the profession of housemoving on roads and highways of this State must be
licensed by the SCDOT.

56-27-30. Term of license; renewal; fee.

A license issued under the provisions of this chapter is effective for a period of one year from the date
of issuance and is renewable on an annual basis. The annual and renewal fee for the license is $100.00
dollars. All persons issued licenses under the provisions of this chapter are required to carry the
license on their persons at all times when engaged in the profession of housemoving on the roads and
highways of this State.

56-27-40. Insurance.
a) No license may be issued or renewed pursuant to this chapter unless the applicant presents to the
Department of Transportation a certificate of insurance from an insurance company licensed to do
business in this State providing:
(1) Motor vehicle insurance with minimum coverage of one hundred thousand dollars for bodily
injury to or death of one person in any one accident, three hundred thousand dollars for bodily injury
to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and fifty thousand dollars for injury to or
destruction of property of others in any one accident.
(2) Comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of two hundred fifty
thousand dollars combined single limit of liability.
(3) Workers’ Compensation insurance that complies with Title 42 if the person licensed as a
professional housemover is not exempt from the provisions of that title. The certificate shall provide
for continuous coverage during the effective period of the license issued pursuant to this chapter.
(b) The certificate shall provide for continuous coverage during the effective period of the license
issued pursuant to this chapter.

56-27-50. Violations; penalties.

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
conviction must be fined:
(a) Not less than one hundred dollars for a first offense;
(b) Not less than five hundred dollars for a second offense;
(c) Not less than one thousand dollars for a third or subsequent offense.

13 Rev. 8/2021